Bred in Alaska, Malamute has amazing stamina and strength. This breed transported its owners and numerous cargoes in extremely harsh conditions. Such work could not but affect the appearance of these dogs. Malamute - this description of the breed emphasizes this - a strong, with a wide chest and large paws animal, covered with a thick thick coat. Reminiscent of wolves, the Malamutes became the heroes of many films, and show off in photographs in magazines.
Archaeological evidence suggests that the dog was used as a sled during the 4th-6th centuries. The Inuit tribe, which laid the foundation of the breed, paid special attention to its character. Aggressive dogs were exterminated. When the intensive development of Alaska began, the Arctic breeds began to mix with others that were brought from different places to breed a fast dog. With the onset of the so-called gold rush, the Malamute breed has become incredibly popular due to its endurance and lack of aggression towards people. And still the dog is highly regarded for its strength and mind.
Malamute. Breed description
Dogs have a wide body and back, as well as a long strong lower back. Straight legs with well-developed muscles allow you to tolerate long loads. Alaskan Malamute has a dense coat, dyed in various shades.
The first direction of dogs of this breed from which the standard was written is called kotzebue. All the first malamutes that were registered at the American Kennel Club belong to him. Dogs are taller than representatives of subsequent standards. Kotzebue Malamutes have a strong head and small ears. They are distinguished by a voluminous and deep chest, strong limbs that contribute to smooth movements. Dogs are not prone to fights, are very amenable to training.
The second direction of the breed is m'lut. It appeared in 1947 after secondary registration. Dogs of this line are distinguished by high growth, elongated muzzle, wide skull, long and high set ears. Compared to the first direction, their chest is small, their limbs are weaker, and therefore the movements are not so smooth. Aggressive nature complicates the training and requires the firm will of the owner.
Standard
Dogs of the same breed share common characteristics. Standards have been published to describe them. This concept includes the qualities of the exterior, character, appearance , constitution. In case of deviations from the described breed standards, it is considered that the dog has a vice that may prevent it from participating in exhibitions, as well as in the service. What should be the real malamute? Description of the breed by standard includes many parameters. Let us dwell on them in more detail.
Head
Malamute should have a powerful wide head proportional to the size of the body. The skull between the ears is rounded, gradually tapering to the eyes, between which the furrow passes. The line of the forehead and the back of the nose has a slight slope down. Cheeks are moderately flat in malamute dogs. Description of the breed by standard includes the concept of stop. In this case, it is formed by pads around the eyes. Its size should be average, since with a very pronounced foot, the eyes will occupy the wrong position and will take a rounded shape. If he is underdeveloped, the distance between the eyes will seem minimal. The expression of the muzzle and the shape of the head indicate the high intelligence of the Malamute.
Characterization of the parts of the muzzle
The nose, lips, and eye rims are black. In dogs of red color brown tint is possible. Black nose with white veins is also allowed. Lips should fit snugly together. Malamute eye color is brown, a blue tint is considered a vice. Their shape is almond-shaped, medium size. Ears of a triangular shape, widely spaced, when performing work commands, they are sometimes laid back. The disadvantage is high-set and long ears. Their skin is thick, which is the result of adaptation to life in harsh conditions. Malamute bite is scissor-shaped, teeth are large. A friendly expression always remains on the face.
Housing characteristic
The head rests on a strong and slightly curved neck. The powerful body is formed by a straight back, muscular lower back and a developed chest. It is important that the body length is slightly greater than the height at the withers. The disadvantage will be a long lower back, which weakens the ridge, as well as a short, obstructing movement. The depth of the chest of an adult dog is approximately half the height at the withers. Right behind the front paws is its lowest point. As for the tail, it should not touch the back, and also to spin on it. He is raised up when the Malamute is resting. Description, photos emphasize this feature.
Paws
The limbs of the dog have well-developed muscles and strong bones. Hind legs should be in line with the front. Dense paws have thick pads. Between the fingers grows protective coat. The fifth finger should be removed in puppies after birth. Strong limbs provide balanced and calm movements. Pushing power is concentrated in the hind legs.
Wool and its color
Malamutes have a hard, thick, integumentary hair. On the sides of the coat has a different length. Its density increases in the neck and shoulders, as well as in the suspension of the tail and legs, forming a kind of pants. The coat should not be soft and too long.
In the color, the main color is white. It is combined with black, red and other shades. Marks on the forehead and collar are allowed. They give a certain uniqueness to each animal. The muzzle can be completely white or look like a mask in a malamute dog. Description of the breed, photos show such features well.
Ideal options
Height and weight are considered in conjunction with other features when this dog (malamute) description is produced. The breeds (the size of males is 63.5 cm at the withers, and the weight is 38 kg; in bitches - 58.5 cm and 34 kg, respectively) have clear characteristics. When evaluating dogs, preference is given to the one that is closest to the standard parameters. The above dimensions are considered ideal for service.
Malamute is one of the most powerful and heavy dogs belonging to the northern breeds. The standard allows some deviations from ideal parameters, but they should be minimal. Otherwise, the dog will not do its job. For accurate measurements of growth, the withers are felt to exclude distortions in the calculations due to the large volume of hair.
Disadvantages of the breed
Alaskan Malamute is intended for the transport of heavy goods. Description of the breed draws attention to the fact that the dog cannot participate in speed competitions. Deviations from the standard are evaluated by their effect on the performance of the animal. Thus, unhealthy legs, clubfoot, weak metacarpus, stilted movements, straight shoulders, slenderness, light skeleton will be considered serious shortcomings. A defect that immediately leads to disqualification is blue eyes.
Character
The expression on the face of a dog of this breed is always friendly and playful. Malamute is extremely sociable. The character description needs to start with the fact that the dog does not show aggression even to strangers. It gets along well with other pets if they do not claim leadership. If there is disrespect from the other dog, the Alaskan Malamute will immediately rush into battle.
Since he originally lived in the company of other representatives of the breed, a character feature is the desire to get the role of leader in his pack. Therefore, the owner must immediately show firmness in education, if his pet is Malamute.
The nature of the dog certainly takes into account the breed description. To eradicate undesirable features, it is necessary to spend as much time as possible with small puppies in the first month of life. It is also important from an early age to train a dog. It must be remembered that thanks to high intelligence, Malamutes remember almost everything the first time, repetitions begin to bore them. It will be difficult to form the desired skill if the dog does not see the point in this activity. Pet perceives commands quickly and easily only if they understand it. Alaskan Malamute is not intended to be a defender, as it is friendly to everyone. The watchman from him is bad, but an impressive appearance can stop particularly cowardly criminals.
Content
Malamute wool does not need frequent combing or washing if the pet lives in a private house. He is able to put himself in order. Shedding takes place twice a year. Careful combing is required at this time. On hot days, it is better to keep the dog away from the sun, as hard and thick coat can cause heat stroke. The animal needs to be washed only as needed, it is clean and does not smell. Trimming is not necessary, but the claws need to be trimmed.
Malamute is always active and energetic. An animal of this breed is not suitable for keeping in an apartment. In a private house, you need to monitor the direction of energy, because it loves to dig holes and chase small animals Malamute.
Description of the breed (+ character), photo of the dog can be found in dog magazines. The animal requires respect for itself and should be engaged in the work for which it is intended. For example, on hikes, you can give him a load that he will gladly carry. A dog can move an object weighing about 400 kg. This skill contributes to her success in wave pulling. But here it is important to remember that training malamute in this area can only begin when the muscles are formed (not earlier than a year after birth). Good exercises will be the following: a run with the owner in the morning or a bike ride in which the animal runs nearby.
Thanks to its friendly disposition, the dog is used in animal therapy. Malamute cheers patients in hospitals. It causes love in children who suffer from various diseases. But in this case, it is better to use bitches, as they are more patient.
Summing up the material on the nature and characteristics of this breed, we can distinguish the following:
1. The dog requires increased attention.
2. It is better not to start it for persons with small children.
3. If the dog lives in an apartment, then it will molt often. You will have to comb it out every day.
4. Often selects things for further games with the owner.
5. Mostly friends with other pets.
6. Excellent at training. Does not need elevated teams, as he understands everything the first time. If something does not fulfill, then Malamute did not find a sense in the action, and it needs to be explained differently.
7. It treats strangers neutrally.
8. Well digs the earth.
9. He is an indispensable friend and a tireless hard worker.
The above description will help you learn more about these dogs. Malamute will become your faithful friend!